Runners flood Cincy for marathon, half-marathon

CINCINNATI  — Thousands of runners are set to descend on Cincinnati today for the sold-out Flying Pig marathon and half-marathon.

Thousands run and walk in a 5K on Saturday in front of the Cincinnati Bengals stadium as part of weekend-long events of the Flying Pig Marathon, now in its 15th year. A 5K and 10K on Saturday were sold-out, as were a half and full marathon set for today, with more than 33,000 participants expected overall.

Organizers expect a record turnout of 33,000 people at those events, combined with other races held on Friday and Saturday.

Last year’s participation was at just under 31,000.

Event organizers attribute the record participation to an outpouring of support following the Boston marathon bombings.

The race’s executive director, Iris Simpson Bush, says the turnout is “a great tribute to our community and its amazing support.”

Also because of Boston, race organizers say security at today's events will be unprecedented, and will include bomb-sniffing dogs, uniformed military members and bag searches.

The Flying Pig, named for the city’s pork history, is in its 15th year.